Legislation Details

File #: 26-0599   
Type: Information Only Status: Approved for General Information Packet
Meeting Body: General Information Packet
On agenda: 3/19/2026 Final action:
Title: Office of Homeless Solutions Program Report - Citywide
District: Citywide
Attachments: 1. Attachment A - Shelter Beds Added.pdf
Date Action ByActionAction DetailsDetailsVideo
No records to display.

Title

Office of Homeless Solutions Program Report - Citywide

 

Description

This report is issued monthly to provide the City Council an update regarding the City’s ongoing efforts to address homelessness within our community by the Office of Homeless Solutions (OHS). This report does not encompass all the City’s efforts to address homelessness but rather reviews key highlights from the preceding month and updates on major upcoming projects.

 

Report

Summary

The City of Phoenix is committed to working with the community, service providers, and regional partners to implement solutions that address homelessness and mitigate neighborhood impacts. The information below are highlights from OHS in the areas of shelter, outreach, procurement, and success stories.

 

Phoenix Navigation Center (PNC)

Phase I of the PNC opened in July 2024 with a capacity of up to 140 individuals. Phase II was completed in 2025 with a total PNC capacity of up to 280 individuals. The completion of this shelter for people experiencing homelessness marks a significant milestone in the City's ongoing efforts. It is the tenth project the City has partnered to open or expand since 2022.

 

Program Update for Permanent Site

Between March 26, 2025, and February 28, 2026, the PNC has served a total of 1,219 individuals, of which 271 are currently staying at the site. Of the individuals that have exited the PNC, 140 are now in housing. The positive exits seen are a result of collaboration and coordination between OHS, Community Bridges Inc. (CBI), and St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP). These partners work with each individual, leveraging expertise and resources.

 

Safe Outdoor Space (SOS) Update

The City of Phoenix made a safe, outdoor structured campground site available in November 2023. The SOS was established to provide an alternative placement solution other than indoor shelter for those camping in the area surrounding the Key Campus (formerly the Human Services Campus). The site is operated in partnership with Keys to Change, CBI, and SVdP, offering 200 camp sites for up to 300 individuals. The SOS also includes on-site services such as heat/winter respite, case management, meals, and behavioral health services.

 

Program Update

Between November 1, 2023, and February 28, 2026, the SOS has served a total of 2,468 individuals, of which 243 are currently staying at the site. Of those that have exited the site, 232 people are now in housing. The positive exits are a result of collaboration and coordination between OHS, CBI, and Keys to Change. These partners work with each individual, leveraging expertise and resources.

 

Additionally, OHS has partnered with ARIZONA@WORK, SVdP, and St. Joseph the Worker to provide workforce development services. These workforce providers meet with individuals seeking employment opportunities and provide assistance with resume building, job readiness, clothing, and referrals to employers with vacant positions. Many supplemental services have also been offered on-site to guests. Supplemental resources include Valley Dogs Rescue, who provides preventive care and vaccinations for pets, Circle the City, and Street Medicine Phoenix, who provides basic medical and first aid.

 

Affordable Housing for Seniors Project Update (I-17 and Northern)

La Perla, the former Super 8 hotel, located at I-17 and Northern, is currently under construction and will be transformed into 126 units of permanent affordable housing for seniors, aged 55+. Interior demolition is complete with rough framing well underway. Fourteen percent of the total construction effort is now completed. Demolition and rough electrical work are underway, with eight percent of the total construction effort now completed. The project is within budget and on-schedule to complete construction near the end of 2026. It is located between Project Haven, an emergency shelter for seniors owned by Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS), and the City of Phoenix's Innovation 27 workforce and education center. Prospective tenants will have low-income, making $21,600 or less annually.

 

Community Court

Community Court has served 804 participants from January 2024 through February 2026. Of these, 214 participants have graduated from the program with achievements including: obtaining vital documents, entering shelter, addressing their physical and mental health, and gaining employment. The collaboration of the Prosecutor’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, OHS, and CBI continues to create individualized plans to assist individuals in addressing their homelessness and help participants achieve their goals.

 

Community Court Success Story

A client enrolled in Community Court in September 2025. The client experienced homelessness for several years, living out of her car. Actively participating in case management she was able to obtain her social security card and secure full-time employment. With the help of her case manager she was connected to resources and secured her own place in December. On February 17, 2026, she celebrated her graduation from Community Court.

 

Office of Homeless Solutions Staff Outreach Success Stories

Success Story

Homelessness Liaisons met a couple experiencing homelessness at Burton Barr Library. Due to losing their home and facing health challenges they were unable to secure stable housing. After engagement with the Liaisons both agreed to go to the SOS. Transportation and assistance with their belongings was provided. They expressed gratitude for the support services provided.

 

Success Story

The Outreach team received a referral for an individual experiencing long term homelessness who was a US Marine Corps Veteran seeking assistance. He did not have income, benefits, or any of his vital documents. After engagement with the Outreach team, he agreed to go to the Safe Outdoor Space. He is now working on applying for his Veteran benefits and working towards securing housing.

 

Success Story

Homelessness Liaisons previously met with a veteran experiencing homelessness several times. After facing medical challenges and understanding he was unable to care for himself he engaged with the Liaisons and accepted services. Transportation was provided to CASS where he was connected to veteran resources.

 

Success Story

Homelessness Liaisons engaged with an individual experiencing homelessness at Falcon Park. He shared his experience with substance use and participating in detox services. He expressed a willingness to accept shelter services. Transportation was provided to the Safe Outdoor Space where he was connected to resources.

 

Success Story

A mother and her children were seeking shelter and were referred to Office of Homeless Solutions Sunnyslope Outreach team to assist. The Outreach team collaborated with Chicanos Por La Causa Family Shelter to secure a family placement. The family was approved and transported by the team to CPLC Family Shelter where they are currently placed.

 

Shelter Projects

Attachment A represents a summary of new shelter beds created with City of Phoenix investments. This includes the 592 indoor shelter beds created in 2022, 482 temporary shelter beds in 2023, 370 additional indoor shelter beds in 2024, and 350 additional beds that opened in 2025.

 

Below are success stories submitted in the last month by funded partners.

 

Success Story

An individual entered CASS after experiencing long term homelessness. She had limited income that was not enough to secure a place to live. She expressed a willingness to work on achieving her goals. With assistance from her Case Manager and additional support services she was able to eventually move into her own apartment.

 

Success Story

A mother and her children entered UMOM after facing housing and employment challenges. She remained focused on her goals and worked closely with her Case Manager to create a plan for success. She completed UMOM’s Job Readiness program, actively worked on her housing plan, gathered the necessary documents and successfully reconnected with her previous landlord. She exited the program and moved her family into a home, providing a safe and stable environment.

 

Success Story

An individual entered SOS after experiencing long term homelessness. He had limited income that was not enough to secure a place to live. He expressed a willingness to work on achieving his goals and overcoming challenges he was facing. With assistance from his CBI Case Manager and additional support services he was able to secure Social Security benefits and eventually move into his own apartment.

 

Success Story

An individual accepted shelter services with CBI and actively engaged in case management. Her case manager supported her with resume development, transportation to job fairs and work attire, which led to the client securing employment at a call center. The client made a significant change in pursuing her goals by actively engaging in counseling. The client successfully moved into senior apartment housing.

 

Success Story

Keys to Change successfully assisted a participant staying at the Safe Outdoor Space in securing affordable housing. Through a collaborative effort with CBI and Keys to Change this participant received assistance to pursue educational and employment goals. The participant enrolled and graduated from trucking school and subsequently maintained employment. Keys to Change further supported the participant by providing funds to cover move-in costs.

 

Success Story

The CBI team received a referral through Coordinated Entry for a client residing at Rosalie’s Place. The team engaged with the client and completed an intake into the PHX Rapid Re-Housing program. The client had all required documentation needed to move forward with housing services. The client was eligible for assistance from HOM, Inc. and was able to move into a new home. This reflects coordination between the client, and shelter and housing partners, resulting in a successful transition to permanent housing.

 

Success Story

A client went to CASS following her release from incarceration. She faced significant barriers to housing stability, while experiencing medical issues. Through trauma-informed case management she worked with her case manager and partner agencies to pursue housing stability. With team-based support, she participated in consistent medical care, obtained essential identification documents, opened a checking and savings account and successfully reinstated her Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits with direct deposit. She transitioned into shared housing with another CASS client.

 

Department

Responsible Department

This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Office of Homeless Solutions.